IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


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23  WEST  MAIN  !>rRE£> 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


i/.x 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


:\ 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliouraphiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


m 


n 

D 
D 

n 


□ 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


□    Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagee 

□    Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pellicul6e 


Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli§  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int^rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  film^es. 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  methods  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu6s  ci-dessous. 


□    Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

□    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pelliculdes 


0 
D 
0 
D 
D 
D 
D 


Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  d6color6es,  tachet^es  ou  piqu^es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ddtach^es 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Qualitd  in^gole  de  I'impression 

includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  film^es  i  nouveau  de  fagon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleurc  image  possible. 


Th( 
to 


Th 
po 
of 
filr 


Ori 
be 
thi 
sio 
oti 
fin 
sic 
or 


Th 
sh 
Til 
wl 

Ml 
dil 
en 
be 
rig 
re< 
mi 


D 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplimentaires; 


This  item  is  filmed  e'  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmi  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqui  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


y 


26X 


aox 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


L'exemplaire  filmd  fut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
g^n6rosit6  de: 

Bibliothdque  nationale  du  Canada 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


L68  tmages  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettet6  de  l'exemplaire  filmd,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ♦►  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  le  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprim^e  sont  filmds  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autras  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmds  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  11  est  film6  d  partir 
de  Tangle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

/  ...  ■ 


HoRTicrLTiRii  IX  Canada 


BV 


1'R(»I"1;SS()K    W  II, 1. 1  AM    SAl2lI_)ER>,    l,l,.l). 

DlKl.t  lOK    111-     IHl-     DdMIMoN     KmEKIMKN TAl.    I'AKM, 
(  )T1  AWA,    CANADA 


A    l.ci.liirc  ik-livcivil  ln-t'oix   Ihi    M.i->.icliu>rtt>   Hoi tii'ultur.il  Society, 


BOSTON 

IKINIKK    FOR   Tin-;   SOCIKIV 

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7  /    L 


HORTICULTURE    IN    CANADA. 


The  subject  which  I  have  the  pvivileye  of  bringing  before  you 
on  this  occasion  is  that  of  Horticulture  in  Canada,  and  in  tht;  dis- 
cussion of  this  topic  it  is  my  purpose  to  treat  of  liorticulture  in 
its  widest  sense,  as  embracing  the  art  and  science  of  tlie  cultiva- 
tion of  trees,  shrubs,  and  plants  for  both  utilitarian  and  decorative 
purposes.  This  subject  covers  so  wide  a  ti(dd  that  the  brief 
period  of  an  hour  will  admit  of  touching  on  but  a  few  of  its 
more  important  features,  and,  with  the  view  of  presenting  these 
in  a  clear  and  intelligent  manner,  I  shall  Hrst  give  you  a  very 
short  sketch  of  tht>  country  whose  horticultural  j)rogress  1  am 
expected  to  outline. 

The  Dominion  of  (!anada  consists  of  seven  ])rovinces.  four 
provisional  territories,  and  a  vast  area  to  tlie  north,  nuu-h  of 
which  is  yet  unexplored.  If  the  traveller  through  this  country 
takes  the  train  at  its  eastern  boundary,  at  Halifax  on  the  broad 
Atlantic,  he  may  ride  with  one  change  of  ears  through  to  the 
shores  of  the  I'aeitic,  co\ ering  a  distance  of  three  thousand  six 
hundred  and  sixty-two  miles,  and  all  within  the  settled  area,  of 
Canada.  The  three  most  easterly  provinces  form  a  grou|)  partly 
surrounded  and  more  <'.■  less  intersected  by  the  ocean,  known  as 
the  Maritime  Provinces.  Following  these  come  the  goodly  prov- 
inces of  Quel)ec  and  v  >ntario,  the  latter  stretching  westward 
along  the  margins  of  tlie  Great  Lakes  —  Ontario,  Erie,  Huron, 
and  Superior — until  its  western  boun<larv  is  found  beyond  the 
Lake  of  the  Woods.  Here  Ontario  joins  the  "  prairie  jirovince" 
of  Manitoba,  west  of  which  lie  the  four  gigantic  provisional  ttMri- 
tories,  —  Assiniboia,  Saskatchewan,  Alberta,  and  Athabasca, — 
comprising  vast  plains.  In  a  part  of  the  territories  a  wide  l)elt 
of  the  country,  lying  north  of  the  49th  parallel,  —  which  forms 
the  boundary  line  between  the  L^nited  States  and  Canada,  —  has 
a  dry  climate,  caused  by  the  hot  winds  which  blow  northward 
from  the  great  American  desert,  lint  beyond  the  spent  forc(^  of 
these  hot  currents,  beginning  from  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
to  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  miles  north  of  the  boundary,  we 


find  iinmensc.  partly  wooded  areas,  watered  by  streams  flowiii!^ 
northward,  with  a  soil  woiidori'ully  riidi  and  fertile  and  with  eon- 
ditions  favorable  for  mixed  farniinij,  especially  for  the  raisin;,'  of 
cattle  and  for  dairying.  Still  fiirtlier  west  stands  Hritish  Co- 
lnnd)ia  witli  its  sea  of  monntaiiis  encdosing  an  area  abon-idiiiK  in 
minerals,  coal,  and  lumber.  Its  waters  teem  with  lish,  and  some 
of  the  fertile  valleys  are  beinj,'  fast  converted  into  smilinij  fi(dds 
of  j^rain  and  prolific;  ondiards. 

Ijet  us  tou(di  brii^Hy  ou  the  conditions  found  in  ea(di  of  tlui 
divisions  of  this  your  neij^hl)oring  country,  and  note  the  indica- 
tions of  horticultural  progress.  Prince  Edward  Island,  the 
smallest  of  the  jn'ovinces  of  Canada,  has  an  area  of  two  thousand 
one  hundred  and  thirty-tliree  srpiare  miles,  is  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  long  and  varies  from  nine  to  thirty  miles  in  width,  and  has 
a  i)opidation  of  one  hundred  and  ten  thousand.  This  island  has 
a  fertile  soil ;  the  climate  is  cool  and  bracing  in  summer,  but 
rather  sfivere  in  winter.  Many  varieties  of  apples,  plums,  and 
cherries  succeed  well  tlHue,.  and  gooseberries,  ciirrants,  and  otluu- 
small  fruits  an^  ])roduccd  in  abundance;  but  the  winter  season  is 
too  severe  to  admit  of  growing  the  more  tender  fruits  suct^ess- 
fully.  The  cultivation  of  Howers  is  very  general,  especially  in 
the  cities  and  towns,  in  which  many  avenues  of  stately  trees  are 
found,  uost  of  whicli  are  European.  So  also  are  the  shrubs 
which  decorate  the  grounds  about  rural  and  city  honu»s.  The 
nund)er  of  varieties  of  trees  grown  are  few,  and  in  shrubs  one 
notices  the  absence  of  many  beautiful  forms  whicli  are  grown 
very  successfully  in  other  provinces,  and  which  will,  no  doubt, 
when  introduced,  do  well  liere.  Horticulture  is  encouraged  by 
the  ludding  of  exliibitions  of  fruits  and  flowers  in  tlie  capital  at 
('harlottetowu  and  elsewhere,  Aviiicli  are  assisted  by  grants  from 
the  provincial  treasury.  There  is  a  Hue  park  in  Charlottetown, 
comprising  about  one  hundred  a.nd  tifty  aiu-es,  with  beautiful 
drives  through  the  wooded  areas  and  along  the  seasluire,  —  a. 
cool  and  delightful  place  of  resort  for  the  citizens  throughout  the 
summer  months. 

Across  the  Northumberland  Straits  from  Charlottetown,  some 
thirty  miles  distant,  lies  the  I'rovince  of  Nova  Scotia,  with  its 
twenty  thousand  five  luindred  and  tifty  scjuai-e  miles  of  area  and 
a  ])opulatinn  of  four  hundred  ;uid  tifty-one  thousand.  The 
climate  of   tlie    eastern   part  of  this  j)rovince    is  mild   and  well 


\ 


iulaptod   for   the  grouing   of    maiiy    viirictii's   of   fmil-   of   hvrh 
•  luality  and  in  ;,a-eat  perfection.     Tlie  Annaixjlis  valley,  so  well 
known  as  the  scene  of  Longfellow's  beautiful  and  tragic  jiotMii. 
is  specially  adapted  by  clinuito  and  situation  toi-  fruit  -i'(.\\  in,-,^ 
and  is   rapidly   being  converted   into  a,  vast  orchard   where  the 
choicest  sorts  of  apides,  pears,  [dunis,  and  cliei-rics  grow  in  the 
greatest  abundance.     In  this  valley  there  is  a  HpcvXid  school  of 
horticulture,  receiving  a  liberal  provincial  grant,  wiu-re  practical 
training  is  given  to  students   in  tlie  i)r()pagation  and  growth  of 
fruits,  ornamental  shrubs,  trees,  and  flowers.     To  drive  union*'' 
th(!  beautiful  scenes  in  that  charming  valley,  when  the  trees  urt^ 
covered  with  bh)ssoms  in   the  spring,  or  wlien  their  bran(;hes  are 
pendant  with  gcdden  fruit  in  the  autnnin.  is  a  deligjit  not  soon 
to  be  forgotten.     There  are  many  other  localities  in   Nova.  Scotia 
where     fruit    culture    is  carried    on    very  successfully,  and    tlie 
e.xports  of   fruit  from    this   province   are    large  and    constantlv 
incretising.       ^IMie    Fruit  Growers'  Association  of    Nova    Scotia. 
which  is  also  aided  by  provincial  funds,  is  a  strong  and  active 
organization,  bedding  meetings  at  intervals  during  the  year  foi' 
the    discussion  (d'    subjects  relating  to   I'ruit  growing  ;,iid    otjiei 
bramdies  of  horticulture,   and   the    information   brought    out    is 
published    in  tlm    proceedings  of   the  Association.     During   the 
]»ast  year  the  ipiantity  of  ai)i)les  exported  was  about  live  hundred 
thousand  barrels.     Some  of  this  fruit,  J   am  told,  linds  its  way  to 
Boston,  where  the  Idgh-flavored    Gravensteins    ai'e    said    to    be 
much  appreciated ;    but  much    the  larger   portion   iinds  a  readv 
market  in  the  larger  cities  in  Great  Jiritain.     In  Halifax  there 
are  several  parks,  including  in  all  about  two  hundred  and  eighty 
acres.     The  Public  Gardens,  containing  about  sixteen  acres,  are 
also  very  attractive  and    contain    some   excellent   specimens    of 
trees,  mostly  European,  and  many  varieties  of  shrubs  and  coni- 
fers, imduding  some  choice  specimens  of  Japanese  Retinosporas, 
notably  oi   Chavuvctfparh  pliiwosn  and    (\  p/innosa  aurea.     The 
Scotcli  heather,  Cdlhma  vulijuris,  also  luxuriates  here,  and  some 
of   the  fine  flower  beds   are   margined   with    this   pretty   i)laiit, 
which  has  become  naturalized  and  is  growing  in  large  patches  in 


the  public  parks.     Truro  and  other  smaller  cit 


ies  and  towns  west 


of   Halifax  are  emulatiu!'   tli 


parks,  adorning  th<dr  streets  with  aven 


e  capital    in    the  establishment   of 


ues  of  trees,  and  embel- 


lishing their  homes  witii  groups  of  choice   shrubs  and  beds  of 


fl 


owers. 


6 


ill  Xt'w  r.rmiswick.  witli  iiii  arcii  ol'  t\V(Mitv-eiglit  tlidusaiid 
.s(|ii;in^  iiiilos  iind  a  jMipiilatinii  of  tlirt'(>  luiiidrcd  and  t.\veiitv-on<' 
tli<msand,  the  oliniat*!  is  not.  so  favovahle  For  j^oiici'al  iin»<,M'ess  in 
liortii'ulturo  as  in  the  sister  provinee  of  Mova  Seotia.  While 
ondiards  have  been  snceess fully  estal»lished  in  the  valley  of  the 
St.  Jolm  river,  the  varieties  of  Iriiit  urown  ,ivo  ehii'Hy  of  the' 
hardier  sorts,  and  the  enltivatioii  of  lar<^e  fruits  is  not  .general. 
Small  fruits,  however.  ar(>  Ljrowii  in  abundance,  and  the  cool 
weather  in  early  summer  retards  the  ripening'  season  and  permits 
ol'  the  growing  of  large  (piantities  of  luseious  strawberries,  whieh, 
rij)ening  after  the  main  supplies  in  the  New  England  States,  tind 
a  ready  market  in  Boston  and  other  eities,  with  Init  little  eompe- 
tition  and  at  good  prices. 

Recently  a  public  park  comprising  two  hundred  and  forty 
acres  has  l)een  established  at  tin;  city  of  St.  frohn,  0(;cupying  a 
commanding  position  overlooking  the  turbulent  waters  of  the 
Hay  of  Fundy.  Througli  this  jiark  roads  are  l)eing  laid  otit 
amidst  charming  and,  in  some  places,  rugged  siienery.  Tiiis 
must  in  time  become  a  most  attractive  jdace  of  resort. 

The  Province  of  Quebec,  with  an  area  of  two  hundred  and 
twenty-seven  thousand  square  miles  and  a  ])oj)ulation  of  about 
one  and  one-half  million,  is  also  making  progress  in  horticulture, 
in  the  valley  of  the  St.  Lawrence  there  are  many  Hue  orchards, 
and  iu.)where  does  the  celebrated  Fameuse  apple  reach  so  high  a 
di'giee  of  perfection  as  on  the  Island  of  Montreal,  where  many 
varieties  of  pears  also,  and  jdums  of  fine  flavor,  thrive  well.  In. 
the  eastern  townships,  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  St.  Law- 
rence, fruit  gr(  wing  is  carried  on  to  a  considerable  extent  and 
([uantities  of  ap])lcs  from  this  territory  find  their  way  to  Mon- 
treal or  are  ship[ied  to  foreign  markets  ;  but  on  the  interi<M'  lands, 
on  the  north  side  «.if  the  river,  only  the  hardier  fruits  suciieed, 
and  the  orchards  are  few  and  snuill.  In  Montreal  and  other 
cities  and  towns  in  this  i)rovince,  much  taste  is  dis])layed  in  the 
laying  out  of  the  jxiblic  parks  and  squares,  and  in  the  ornamenta- 
tion of  the  grounds  of  the  more  wealthy  nu^mbers  of  the  com- 
munity. Horticultural  sotneties  and  a  I'rovincial  Fruit  Growers' 
Association  have  been  oi'gani/ed.  which  are  aided  by  [)rovincial 
funds  :  annual  exhibitions  are  held,  and  thus  the  love  for  the 
(.cultivation  <d'  fruits  and  flowers  is  fo.stered. 

Ontario    is   the   lianner    province   o\'   the   Dominion,  and   its 


\ 


WdiKlcrriil    varift.y  (.1   clmiatr  ami   n.-li   IkuI  icnlt  mal  |..i.ssil)ilitu's 
;irt'  as   yt't    l)ut    |iaitia,ll_v   known.      W'ltli   I  he   nolilr  ar<M   nl'  twi) 
lumdred  and  twenty  thousand  si|iiai't'  niilcs.  and  a  |iM|Milation  of 
two  million  ouo  liundrrd  and  liltct'ii   tiionsand.  this   [.roviiicc  has 
lw(dv('  and  a  halt'  million  at-res  of  clfarcd  land,  aixmt  thn^e  hiin- 
divd    and   twenty   thousand  acies  of    wliieli  are   under    (»rehanl, 
,ij;ar(l(!n,  and  vineyard.     The  nundx-r  of  apple  trees  ol  lu-ariiig  a,ue 
in  this  province  is  abuiit  six  nullions.  while  there  are  three  and 
a    half    millions   nior*;    of    younj,'er    trees,   most    of     whidi    will 
soon  he  in  hearin--  eundition.     Tlu;  yield  of  api)h's   in    iSiXi  was 
very  lar-,n',  anil  is  estimated  at  lil'ty-six  million  bushels.      In  the 
Niagara  peninsula,  and  along  the  shoi'es  of  the  western    part  of 
Lake   Erie,   peacdies  are  grown   very  successfully,  and   there  are 
.said  to  be  over  half  a  million  of  peach  trees  planted  in  that  part 
ot    Canada.      (Jrai)es,    also,    are    grown    in    imiuense    (piantities. 
There  are  about  three  million  of  beai'ing  gi-qte  vines   in   Ontario, 
producing  annually  about  fifteen  million  pounds  (d'  grapes.     Tliere 
are  also  large  orcdiards  of  pears,   plums,    and  cherries,    so  that 
Canadiau  markets  are   well  supplied   with   home-gi'own   fruits  (d' 
excellent  (luality  throughout  the  .season,  and  a   large  <piantity  <d 
ajiples  is  exported  to  Great  liritain.     During  the  past  year  more 
than  two  million  barrels  were  ex])orted  from  .Montreal.      Ontario 
also  sends  large  sui)plies  of  fruit  to  the  prairie  districts  in  the 
west.     A    thriving  organization,    known  as   the   Fruit  (Jrowers' 
Association  of  Ontario,  has  been  in  existence  tor  the  past  twentv- 
eight  years,  and  has  done  much  to  stimulate  fruit  growing  through- 
out the    i)rovinee,  and  also  to  cultivate  a  taste  for  oriuimental 
trees,  shrubs,  and  flowers.     This   As.sociation   receives  a,  liberal 
aiiiuial  grant  from  the  provincial  funds.     The  large  display  of 
fruit  and  flowers  at  the  leading  annual  exhibitions  helps  to  draw 
further  attention  to  these   interesting   and   important  subjects. 
The   Ontario  government  also  gives  annual  graids  towards  the 
support  of  horticultural  .societies,  which  are  established  in  most  of 
the  towns  and  cities  of  the  province.     Under  this  stimulus,  fre- 
<|uent  floral  exhibitions  have  been  held,  and  the  people  hav(>  been 
led  to   vie   with  each  other  in  beautifying  their  homes   by   tlu; 
planting  of  trees  and  Howers.     ]\[any  large  tloral  establishm.Mits 
are  well  supported  by  lovers  of  Howers.      In  the  cities  and  larger 
towns  public  parks  have  been  established,  valuable  not  only  as 
health  resorts,  but  as  reposittiries  for  sonH>  of  nature's  (dioicest 


8 


;irl)(irr;il  tjifts.'  Ildrticiiltiil'o  iilso  forms  uw  iiii|K»it,iiit  |iiirt  in 
tilt!  curriiniliiin  of  tin-  Ontiirio  Collfj^'c  of  Aj^riculfciiri',  uliidi  is 
lociitf'd  ;it  (Jiiclpli. 

Ad  j(tiiiiii;,' ( Mitiirio  ;it  its  western  cxticniily  is  tin-  Trovincc  of 
Manitoba,  witli  sixty-four  thousand  stinan^  miles  of  fei  ritorv  and 
a  jiopulation  (d'  one  Inindred  and  tifty-two  thousand.  Here  tin; 
(dinuitie  conditions  are  too  seven;  to  admit  id'  the  lajiid  extension 
of  horticnhnre.  The  hir^er  frnits  are  not  sneeessfully  j,'r()U'n, 
Imt  many  of  the  snniU  fruits  are  proihieed  in  ai)un(hinee.  The. 
l»eo|de  are  everywlun-e  fond  of  Howers,  and  the  h)n,i,'  days  and 
abundance  of  siinsliine  in  tlie  summer  niontiis  ,i,Mve  a  wealtii  of 
bh)om  to  many  annuals  and  hardy  pereniuals  unktu)\vn  in  eastern 
(dimates. 

Westward  of  Manifiiba  lie  tin;  four  oi'<,Miii/.ed  territories  of  the 
Canadian  Northwest — Assiniboia,  witii  an  area  of  eii,dity-ei,i,dit 
thousand  square  miles;  Suskateliewau,  one  hundred  and  one  thou- 
sand ;  .\lberta,  one  hundred  and  tiv«!  thousand ;  and  Athabasca, 
one  hundred  and  thi'ee  tlujusand.  These  threat  divisions  extend 
friuu  the  western  boundary  of  M.anit(jba,  to  the  lioeky  Mountains, 
art!  partly  traversed  by  railways,  vvhicdi  Imve  opmied  up  the 
country  for  settlement,  aiul  a  sparse  pop\ilatit)n  of  from  fifty 
thousantl  ti>  sixty  thousantl  ])eo|)le  is  scattered  here  and  there 
throughout  this  very  large  area.  T'he  love  of  trees,  shrubs,  and 
flowers  is  universal  on  the  plains,  and  luxuriant  gardens  full  of 
bloom  are  frerpuuitly  fouml  among  the  settlers,  fn  the  country 
to  the  ntjrth  lie  the  unsurveyetl  and  but  partly  exphired  districts, 
occupied  only,  as  yet,  by  witlely  distant  trading  posts  and  otu-a- 
sional  settlers,  but  mainly  in  possession  of  Indians  and  fur- 
traders.  In  this  wide  expanse  are  included  the  districts  e<^'  Un- 
gava,  Keewatin,  Kranklin.  IVlacken/ie,  ami  ^'ukon,  comprising 
in  all  about  a  million  and  a  half  s([uare  miles,  exclusive  of  the 
water  areas. 

The  most  westerly  province,  British  Columbia,  imdudes  three 
hundred  and  eighty-two  thousand  square  miles  and  has  a  popula- 
tion of  about  one  hutulretl  and  twenty-five  thousand.  In  the  busy 
mining  districts  not  much  attention  is  jiaid  to  horticulture,  but 
west  of  the  Coast  Range  of  mountains,  where  the  climate  is  mild 


'  The  lecture  was  illiiBtrnted  with  lantern  elidos,  showing  scenoB  in  the  public  parkB  and 
gardens  in  the  different  cities  in  the  Dominion;  also  views  of  many  beantiful  individual 
specimens  of  ornaniGutal  trees  and  shrubs  grown  on  the  experimental  farms. 


\ 


J> 


and  jjoiiiiil,  luiicli  likr  thai  u['  lai^'hind.  I'liiils  ;ni<l  tlnwiTs  ■^ii>w  m 
pnifiisioii.  Tlicic  tlir  holly,  laun'l.  rliodiMli'iHlrnn.  ami  yew 
tioui'Lsli  with  the  aiiplr.  |if>ar.  [jhiiii.  and  (diiTry,  ;iiid.  in  suiiif 
lucalitit's,  the  i)t'afli.  In  thosf  pacts  ot  tlic  |ii'()Viiiec  iM'twccii  the 
Coast  IJaiij^o  and  the  llockics  tliero  arc  many  line  valleys,  sonic 
of  uidcii  have  not  sutticient  rainfall  to  adnut  of  the  successful 
(tultivatiun  eitliei'of  grain  or  fruit  without  irrigation.  I'licrc  arc. 
howevcu',  many  mountain  sti'cams  availaldi)  for  this  pui'itose  ami 
on  sonu!  of  the  I'anehes  very  tine  a[)i)les  ave  grown.  The  taste  for 
Howors  is  almost  universal,  and  the  long,  mild  season  ])erniits  of 
many  of  them  being  grown  in  perfection.  'I'his  [)r(ivincc  ha^  also 
a  fruit  Crrowers'  Association,  assisted  hy  a  grant  frcjui  the  public 
purse,  ami  exhibitions  of  fruits  and  Howers  are  ludd  tMinually  in 
the  larger  towns  and  cities.  Vancouver  and  Victoria  h  both 
very  tine  public  parks. 

The  progress  of  horticulturt.',  as  w.dl  as  agrieultu'.  throi  ;hout 
Canada  has  l)een  greatly  stimulated  by  :he  organiz.iLion  am!  nr'';i- 
teiuuuM'  oi  .  -. i.M'iiuental  farms  by  the  Dominion  Govennnent. 
Ten  years  ago  tins  gooil  work  was  begun,  and  w  Idle  !  iie  greaAer 
attention  has  been  given  to  nu'asures  looking  towards  .the  im- 
l»rovementof  farnnug,  many  lines  of  horticultural  W(U'k  have  been 
vigorously  [)rosecuted.  These  experimental  farms  arc  live  in 
nundier,  tin;  central  or  principal  farm  being  located  at  Ottawa., 
the  seat  of  government.  —  where,  on  the  boundary  line  between 
Ontario  and  <^uebee,  it  serves  the  purpcjses  of  tlu!se  two  important 
[uovinces,  — and  the  four  branch  farms  in  the  more  distant  prov- 
inces of  the  Donunion.  A  site  was  chosen  for  one  of  these  at 
Nappan,  in  Nova  Scotia,  near  the  dividing  line  between  that  I'l'ov- 
ince  and  New  Brunswick,  where  it  nunisters  to  the  needs  of  the 
three  IMaritinu^  Provinces.  One  was  located  near  lirandon,  in  the 
central  part  of  Manitoba.  A  third  was  placed  at  Indian  Head,  a 
small  town  on  the  Canadian  l*acitic  Kailway,  in  Assiniboia,  one 
of  the  Northwest  Territories;  and  the  fourth  at  Agassi/,,  in  the 
coast  climate  of  British  Columbia.  The  climatic  conditions  [U'c- 
vailing  at  these  several  points  are  all  very  dilferent.  and  each 
location  in  this  respect  fairly  represents  a  large  area. 

At  each  of  these  farms,  ondiards  and  fruit  plantations  have 
been  established  aiul  a  large  nundjer  of  vi-rieties  of  fruits  tested, 
while  sinnlar  experimental  work  has  be( n  carried  on  with  nuiiiy 
different  sorts  of  ornamental  trees,  shrubs,  and  Howers.       The 


10 


selections  iiiatle  in  ciicli  case  have  been  of  such  varieties  as  were 
thouglit  to  be  most  likely  to  succeel  in  the  (jliniates  in  whicli  they 
were  to  be  tried.  In  the  Maritime  IM-ovinces  the  climate  reseraliles 
that  of  many  parts  of  New  England,  and  the  branch  ex[)eriinen- 
tal  farm  at  Nappan  oceui)ies  a  fairly  representative  position. 
The  climate  is  inihler  and  more  jnoist  than  that  of  Ottawa,  and 
all  the  varieties  of  trees  and  shrubs  which  succeed  at  the  central 
farm  do  quite  as  well,  or  better,  at  Nappan,  and  many  varieties 
of  fruits  which  thrive  in  Nova  Scotia  are  not  able  to  endure  the 
more  sevens  wintcM's  at  Ottawa.  At  this  eastern  branch  farm 
there  are  now  nearly  four  hundred  varieties  of  large  and  snuill 
fruits  under  trial  and  ahdut  three  hundred  varieties  of  ornamental 
trees  and  shrubs,  and  most  of  these  are  uuUving  satisfactory  growth. 
Many  additions  are  made  to  these  lists  every  year.  Already  these 
plantations  are  proving  a  useful  guide  to  the  [jeojile  in  the  Mari 
time  Provinces,  whether  they  desire  to  grttw  fruit  or  to  beautify 
their  homes  by  ornamental  jtlanting. 

Passing  now  at  one  b<miHl  over  a  distaiu-e  .of  seven  huiulred 
and  forty-two  mill's  west  of  Nappan,  we  find  ourselves  at  Ottawa, 
the  cai)ital.  Three  miles  from  the  centre  of  the  city  lies  the  cen- 
tral experimental  farm,  consisting  of  four  hundred  and  sixty- 
five  acres.  Ten  years  ago  this  Luul  was  liberally  sprinkled  with 
stiimps  and  stones,  and  encumbered  with  out;  hundred  and  forty 
acres  of  second-growth  timber  and  forty  acres  of  swamp.  This 
has  all  l)een  (deared  and  reclaimed,  and  brought  into  a  fair  con- 
dition of  cultivation.  About  tlii'ee  hundred  and  thirty  acres  are 
devoted  to  agricultural  work,  thirty-five  acres  to  the  testing  of 
fruits  and  vegetables,  twcnty-cuic  acres  to  experiments  with  forest 
trees,  nine  acres  to  ornamental  planting  along  the  margins  of  the 
roads  and  about  the  buildings,  and  sixty-five  acres  to  an  arbore- 
tum and  l)otanic  garden. 

There  is  an  office  building  with  chenncal  lal)oratory  below,  and 
overhead  a  museum  of  farm  products,  in  whicdi  the  fruits  grown 
at  the  several  farms  make  a  striking  disi)lay.  Near  by  are  the 
houses  of  the  chemist,  botanist,  and  horticulturist,  about  which 
there  are  some  pretty  groups  of  trees  and  shrubs. 

The  conservatory  consists  of  two  glass  structures,  each 
seventy-five  feet  long,  in  one  of  which  there  is  a  fair  collection 
of  economic  and  ornamental  plants.  In  the  list  of  the  fornun- 
will  be  found  tea,  coffee,  cinnamon,  camphor,  pepper,  cinchona, 


A 


\ 


w 


If 


^. 


11 

'■<"•>•;'  and  other  pUuits  servicrahlf  U,  iiiaii.  TIi.mv  aiv  ;,ls..  ,•(.!- 
lections  of  oi-oliids  and  cacti,  with  palms  and  ferns  and  many  of 
the  commoner  house  plants.  Another  ..onse  is  used,  durinp-'the 
<'arly  months  of  the  year,  for  testin-  the  vitality  of  seed  J'rain 
tor  farmers  and  for  K'eneral  propagatin--  ]iuri)oses. 

Tlie  l.arn  with  adjacent  [.hinting  shows  that  the  snrroundinijs 
of  even  ii  harn  ma.y  be  made  attractive  i.y  a,  jiidi.'ious  use  (;f  trees 
and  shrubs. 

Orchards  have  been  [.hinted  and  are  used  for  testin-  fruits,  ami 
the  number  of  varieties  of  hirge  fruits  under  trial  liere  is  about 
ei-ht  hundred,  and  of  small  fruits  about  as  manv  more.  Many 
new  varieties  have  been  i)ro(luced  on  the  farm,  l.v  growin-  large 
nund)ers  of  seedlings  of  choi.'e  sorts  and  selectiiig  t.-ie  best,  and 
by  .u'oss-fertilization.  Comparative  tests  have  also  been  made  of 
a  large  number  of  vegetal.lt;s. 

A  useful  adjuiujt  to  the  hortieultuial  departnu.nt  is  theaj^iary 
u-here  the  busy  bees  work  all  the  summer  dav.  gathering  stores 
of  honey  from  the  Howers  ..f  various  plants  and   tro-s,  and  in 
';:»rrying   on    their    regular    w..rk     render    value.l    assistance    in 
lertihzuig  the  blossoms  of  fruits. 

Some  people  object  to  planting  trees,  fearing  thev  mav  not 
live  long  enough  to  realize  nuich  enjoyment  from  them.'  To 
produce  the  b.'st  results  comparativelv  small  s^.e-'imens  should 
be  selected.  A  young  and  thrifty  tree  accommodates  itself  to 
ehange  of  location  much  more  readily  than  an  older  cue,  an.l  the 
young  tree  usually  develops  its  normal  form  more  perfectly. 

During  the  ea,rly  years  of  our  work  co]lect,ions  of  bulbs  —  in- 
cluding lilies,  hyacinths,  narcissus,  and  many  ..ther  sorts —  were 
planted  in  the  autumn;  but  the  ground  being  open  and  without 
shelter,  the  snow  at  times  was  so  blown  off  the  ground  as  to 
leave  it  nearly  bare  and  most  ..f  the  bulbs  were  killM  durin--  the 
winter.  To  provide  shelt.u',  and  collect  and  retain  siu.w^ov.u- 
them,  an  enclosure  hedged  with  arbor  vita>  and  Norwav  spruce 
was  planned  and  the  bulbs  plante.l  within  it;  since  then  m-arlv 
all  have  wintered  well.  During  the  winter  the  .Miclosure  and  its 
surroundings  are  prc.tected  by  sm.w,  which  gathers  within  and 
about  it  to  a  considerable  depth.  The  evergreen  margin  is  now 
about  three  and  a  half  feet  high,  and  p..rtions  of  it  are  almost 
'^'^'^'!!i^;'^''j:""'''  '^'"''"^  ^''^  *^'"''^'''"  l*'i'"t  '»t'  the  season. 

mJri!lr\'7?  '^T'l'  '."  ^'«'"°'"'"'"«  'bo  ,Iovelo,„nci.t  iTKi^h^nd  beauty  7hIchT.^o 
made  In  a  brief  period  of  eevon  oi-  eight  years. 


1% 


Tilt'  beds  ojifsitlc  tliis  fiii'litsmii  attonl  dill'tn't'iit  asiu'cts,  wljicli 
iimkc  tliciii  vtM'y  suitable  lor  ct'i'tain  classes  of  plants. 

Within,  a  (constant  succession  of  bloom  during  the  sunmu-r  is 
maintained  :  liyacinths.  tulips,  and  other  bulbs  in  the  spring,  and 
later  tint;  masses  of  lilies,  herbaceous  [)eoni(!S,  and  irises  are 
;^fro\vn. 

The  lilacs,  when  in  bloom  iu  the  spring,  art;  among  the  most 
lieautifid  of  shrubs,  and  what  delightful  improvements  have  of 
late  been  nuulc  in  this  old-fashioned  favorite  !  Mt)re  than  sixty 
varieties  an;  under  test  at  (Ottawa,  and  nearly  all  are  doing  well. 
Charles  the  Tenth  is  one  (jf  the,  bt!st ;  it  is  very  rich  in  color, 
a  wonderfully  free  bloomer,  and  the  clusters  of  flowers  are  hirge. 
Alba  grandiflora  is  also  a  good  variety;  its  large  white  flower 
clusters  contrasting  with  the  rich  dcsep  green  foliage  maki'  it  very 
attractive.  '' 

A  grouj)  of  Scotch  fines,  J'i/i.ii.s  si/Zri'sfn's,  is  a  prominent 
feature  in  one  part  of  the  grounds;  this  was  phuited  eight  years 
ago.  The  trees  were  then  eighteen  inches  high ;  now  they 
meiisure  from  thirteen  to  fourteen  feet.  The  rich  green  color  of 
this  species,  which  is  well  preserved  throughout  the  winter,  makes 
this  tree  an  attractive  object  at  all  seasons  of   the  year. 

The  Rocky  INIouutain  Mliu^  Spruce,  J'icea  piDii/eiis,  is  one  of 
the  most  valuable  introductions  of  late  years,  and  ranks  among 
the  most  beautiful  of  hardy  evergreens.  The  foliage  in  some 
specimens  assumes  a  rich  shade  of  steely  blue,  most  striking  in 
the  early  ))art  of  the  summer.  Many  of  tliese  trees  hav(!  betni 
])lanted  in  different  exposures  on  the  central  farm,  during  the 
past  seven  years,  and  all  have  proved  perfectly  harily. 

The  Euro])ean  jVIoiuitain  Ash,  or  Kowau  Tree,  l^i/nis  Jiicii/Kirid, 
is  a  Hue  object  on  the  lawn  when  well-gi'own  and  clothed  with 
branches  to  near  the  ground.  Its  beautiful  foliage  and  abundant 
clusters  of  white  blossoms  in  the  spring,  succeeded  by  bunches  of 
scarlet  berries  in  the  autumn,  make  it  attractive  all  through  the 
season. 

The  Katsura  Tree,  ('(■ri'i(/i/>hi///inii  Jdjioin'ciini,  from  northern 
Ja[)an,  is  an  interesting  tree,  which  is  (piite  hardy  at  i,)ttawa. 
The  nni([ue  character  of  its  foliage  as  w(dl  as  its  handsome  form 
render  it  most  desirable. 

Tiie  Sw(!et  Chestnut,  ('(istom'ti  satii-n  va,r.  Aincrifnmi,  is  a  native 
of  the  western  part  of  (Ontario  anil  is  grown  with  some  dithculty 


\ 


i: 


in  Mh'  .•liMiMtc  of  Ottawa.  After  soveral  (Milures,  tw..  or  lluve 
trees  have  now  become  established  and  are  doin-  well.  (),„.  „f 
these  blossomed  last   spring. 

The  variegated  J3ogwood,  Coni>>s  mas  var.  rana/ntu,  is  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  shrubs  at  all  seasons  of  the  year.  The  foliage  is 
richly  variegated  with  white  and  the  variegati.ui  is  well  main- 
tained tln-oughout  the  season. 

When  speaking  of  the  divisions  made  of  the  land  at  the 
central  farm  and  the  purposes  to  which  the  severa,l  portions 
were  devoted,  T  stated  that  sixty-five  acres  had  i)een  set  aside  for 
an  arboretum  and  botanic  ga.rdeji  devoted  to  the  testing  of  trees, 
slirnbs.  and  plants  from  all  parts  of  the  world.  Work  was  begun' 
111  this  branch  six  years  ago.  and  already  nearly  two  thousand 
species  and  varieties  of  trees  and  slirubs,  and  about  one  thousand 
of  herbaceous  perennials,  have  been  brought  together  from  all  the 
iH.rthern  sections  of  the  globe  and  are  being  tested  as  to  their 
suitability  for  the  climate  of  Ottawa.  Canada,  was  f..r  a  long 
tinu;  the  only  important  British  colony  without  a  botanic  garden"^ 
This  stigma  has  now  been  removed,  and  it  is  hoped  that  this 
institution  at  the  farm  will  soon  reach  that  stage  of  advancement 
which  will  make  it  a  credit  to  the  country. 

Permit  m.-  tu  direct  your  attention  lor  a  short  time  U)  a  few  of 
the  individual  speeinnuis  on  this  part  of  the  grounds: 

Th(>  Eui'opean  Larch,  Lurir  Europm,  is  a  very  handsome  tive, 
valuable  for  its  timber.  It  is  a  rapid  grower  an.l  has  a  most 
graceful  drooping  habit. 

The  Golden  Arbor  Vita)  is  a  beautiful  form  of  the  common 
Arbor  '^'-V^  Th>i,j,,  orridentalis,  in  which  the  foliage  assumes  a 
gold.Mi  yeHow  hue.  This  is  a  brilliant  object  for'  a  lawn  and 
makes  a  beautiful  hedge. 

The  Pyramidal  Arl)or  Vitai  is  another  interesting  form  of  the 
same  species,  (piite  jiilhir-like  in  its  growth. 
^  The  Austrian  Pine.  Phn,s  .lHsh-i»,rf.  is  a  stately  .nergreen,  (jf 
Hue  form  and  habit,  very  hardy,  and  a  fairly  vigonius  grow(!i'.  '  A 
tree  in  the  Arboretum  which  when  plant^id  six  yeaTs  ago  was 
eighteen  inches  high  now  sUaids  about  seven  feet. 

The  Norway  or  Red  Pine,  I'inus  rrshmsa,  has  also  a  stat.dy 
habit,  but  is  of  softer  outline  than  the  Austrian  Pine  and  makes 
a  handsouK!  tree. 

The  Mountain  Pine,  Phn>s  .Uonfuna,  is  a  very  desirable  object 


14 


for  11  liiwii.  Its  Idw-ij; rowing',  hiisliy  luihit,  \vit,li  l)r;uiclies  vluav  to 
the  i;r(>uii(l,  iiKikcs  it  well  a(l;i[)te(l  tor  localities  wiiero  s|);i(',t!  is 
limited. 

The  'I'artai'iiiii  or  IJusli  lloiieysueklc  is  a  t'ree-Howeriii.iLf  shnil) 
and  one  of  the  earliest  t(j  bloom  in  the  s[»i'ing,  and  when  covered 
with  its  pink  oi*  white  fiowers,  or  later  with  its  bi'ight-colorcd 
berries,  is  very  i)retty. 

Van  Houtte's  Spinea,  Spmva  Van.  Ifmtttei,  is  a  lovely  shrub, 
which.  (luriii,i,'  the  latter  part  of  May  and  early  in  June,  is 
literally  covered  with  masi-es  of  white  bloom.  In  growth  it  has  a 
}>endulous    habit    and  is  very  graceful   in  form. 

S/)!r(ra  finmalda  is  another  species  of  the  same  genus,  whi(di 
has  an  upright  form.  This  lo  tilso  a  free  liloomcr  and  is  very 
attractive. 

The  Weigelas  are  very  beaiitiful  shrubs  which  are  not  entirely 
hardy  at  Ottawa,  the  new  wood  being  usually  kilhul  back  iuore 
or  less  by  the  severe  weather  in  winter.  In  most  instances, 
how(!ver,  a  sufficient  ipiantity  of  the  wood  survives  to  give  a 
considerable  amount  of  bloom.  Siebold's  Variegated  Weigela 
has  proved  one  of  the  hardiest  foi'ms  ;it  the  central  farm.  It 
blooms  abundantly  in  its  season,  and  its  variegated  foliage  nudves 
it  at  all  times  very  attractive. 

The  different  species  and  varieties  of  IMiiladelphus  (known 
also  as  Syringa  and  Mock  Orange)  are  charming  objects  for  the 
flower  border,  and  quite  hardy.  The  flowers  vary  in  size  from 
one  to  two  inches  across ;  some  of  them  are  single  and  sonu^ 
double  ;  most  of  the  varieties  are  richly  perfumed. 

The  Snowball,  V)l>iifimiii,  opiilus  viiv.  sfi'ri/ls,  is  an  old-fashioned, 
but  most  desirable  s[)ecies  for  the  shrubbery.  During  the  bloom- 
ing season  it  is  literally  covered  with  masses  of  snow-white 
bloom.  V.  limtona  and  V.  dentatan)  are  also  very  valuable 
hardy  ornamental  shrubs. 

The  Siberian  Cornus,  Conins  n/fxi  var.  Si/iin'ra,  is  anothci' 
very  useful  and  hardy  sort,  it  is  a  pretty  shrub  when  covered 
with  its  flat,  white  clusters  of  bloom  in  -lune  ;  and  when  devoid 
of  foliage  during  the  winter,  its  brilliant  red  stems  form  a  beauti- 
ful contrast  with  the  white  background  of  siujw. 

The  Russian  Olive,  said  to  be  a  hardy  form  of  KhviKjniis  luti- 
teiish  var.  oiKiuxtifoHa,  isasmall  trct^  of  very  graceful  habit,  with 
foliage  aiul  branches  of  a  charming  silvery  hue,  which  is   best 


l'> 


brought,  out,  where  it  luis  a  l>ack.,n-ouu(I  of  dark  .careen  growth. 
This  is  a  very  liardy  tree  and  (Midures  tlie  severe  (•limate''of  the 
northwest  plains  well,  and  when  in  hloom  its  numerous  small 
yellow  flowers  till  the  air  witli   their  fragance. 

Later  in  tlie  season  the  Japanese  Hydrangea.  JJi/,/ranf/ea 
panieu/afa  var.  (jrandljiora,  becomes  a  very  prominent  object  in 
the  collection  of  shrubs,  from  tlu-  larg.-  bunches  of  Howers  so 
freely  produced  at  the  ends  of  tlie  branches.  This  species  has 
found  its  way  into  public  fav  r  very  rapidly.  Only  twenty-three 
years  have  passed  since  this  slnub  was  tirst  introduced  from 
dapan,  and  during  that  comparatively  brief  period  its  merits 
have  been  universally  recogrdzed  and  it  has  become  one  of  tlie 
most  widely  distributed  and   favorite  shrubs  in  cultivation. 

rnpulns  liemrnii'nsis  is  a  Russian  I'oplar  and  one  of  tlie 
hardiest  sp,.,-ies  tested.  It  endures  the  (dimate  in  all  parts  of 
C!ana<la  well,  making  a  str(;ng  and  rapid  growth.  Many  thousand 
cuttings  of  this  tree  have  iieen  sent  out  from  the  experimental 
farms  to  settlers  in  differenfc  parts  of  the  Canadian  Northwest. 
These  strike  readily  and  soon  form  handsome  trees,  wind-breaks,' 
or  hedges.  .\  specimen  whicdi  was  planted  in  the  arboretum  at 
Ottawa  SIX  years  ago  as  a  small  tree  now  stands  over  twentv- 
tive  feet  high. 

Many  inquiries  are  made  every  year  as  to  the  best  sorts  of 
shrubs  or  trees  to  jilant  f..r  he.lges.  T.i  gain  exiierience  and  fur- 
nish object  lessons,  many  different  sorts  ;ire  being  tested  for  this 
purpose.  Seventy-five  varieties  ha,ve  already  been  ])lanted  as 
sample  hedges,  each  Hfty  feet  long,  and  a  large  proportion  of  them 
liaAc  had  Hve  or  si.x  years'  growth.  These  are  proving  an  attrac- 
tive feature  in  connection  with  the  urnameiital  plaiding  at  the 
central  farm. 

A  journey  of  one  thousand  four  hundred  and  thirtv-seven  miles 
west,  by  the  Canadian  Pacihc  Railway,  brings  us  to  the  Hourish- 
ing  town  of  Brandon,  in  Manitoba,  adjoining  which  is  the 
experimental  farm  for  that  province.  It  is  located  partly  in 
the  valley  of  the  Assiuiboine  river  and  partlv  on  the  heights 
above  the  bluffs  wliicli  margin  the  valley.  This  farm  has  been 
greatly  improved  liy  the  planting  of  trees,  about  sixty-Hve  thou- 
sand of  which  hiivc  be.Mi  put  out  in  avenues,  shelter  belts. 
clum])s.  and  hedges.  .Most  ..f  the  hedges  have  been  planted  with" 
quick-growing  trees,  such    ,is   poplars   ;ind    willows,   iuid   Hnch.se 


i 


k; 


good-sized  plots  of  ground.  These  liedges  grow  quite  tall  and  act 
as  wind-breaks  during  the  summer  and  help  to  collect  large  banks 
of  snow  in  the  winter,  which,  on  melting,  leaves  the  ground  in  a 
very  favorable  condition  of  moisture.  These  plantations  have 
placed  examples  before  tlu!  settlers,  which  many  have  been 
induced  to  follow,  and  this  incentive  has  produced  gratifying 
results.  Tree  j)lanting  has  been  further  stinudated  by  free  dis- 
tributions of  tree  seeds,  large  (piantities  of  which  have  been 
collected,  especially  of  the  Box  Elder,  JVef/inu/o  (ireroldes,  and 
the  Green  Ash.  Fraxlnus  n'ridis.  These  set'ds  have  been 
hitherto  collected  in  the  river  valleys  and  ravines  in  the  blutt's  in 
Manitoba  a,nd  the  Territories,  and  during  the  past  seven  years 
more  than  five  tons  of  such  seeds  have  been  distributed  free  l)y 
mail,  and  during  the  same  ])eri;od  about  six  thousand  ])ackages 
of  young  forest  trees  and  cuttings  have  been  sent  out  in  the 
same  way  to  settlers  in  that  (tomitry.  Last  year  the  native  trees 
planted  on  the  two  western  expei'iinental  farms  produc^ed  seed 
freely,  and  more  than  a  ton  of  this  has  been  collected  for  distri- 
bution during  the  coming  season.  An  arl)oretum  has  been 
started  at  Brandon,  and  there  are  more  than  one  hundred  species 
and  varieties  of  trees  and  shrubs  in  it  which  have  proved  hardy, 
and  many  more  are  under  test.  A  large  number  of  varieties  of 
Howers  have  also  l)e(ni  tried.  Nearly  all  the  animals  do  well,  and 
the  large  amount  of  sunshine  they  enjoy  tliere  brings  many  of  the 
si)eeies  to  a  higher  degree  of  perfection  and  results  in  a  greater 
abundance  of  bloom  than  is  usually  found  in  the  east.  In  ))eren- 
nials,  tlie  hardy  list  includes  1'ulips.  Herbaceous  I'eonies,  several 
species  of  Iris,  Hemerocallis,  Aipiilegia,  Aconite,  .Delj>hinium, 
and  many  others.  The  love  of  Howers  among  the  people  is  very 
general,  and  many  take  great  pride  in  their  gardens. 

While  most  of  the  hardier  varieties  of  small  fruits,  such  as 
ras])berries,  currants,  and  gooseberries,  are  grown  with  success, 
all  attempts  to  grow  tlie  larger  fruits  ])i'0(luced  in  tlie  east,  such 
as  apples,  r^rab  apples,  pears,  i)lums,  and  cherries,  have  failed; 
the  trees  do  not  endure  the  climate.  There  is,  however,  one 
small  wild  crab,  Pi/nis  haccata,  with  a  fruit  about  the  size  of  a 
large  cherry,  which  has  been  obtained  from  the  northern  part  of 
Siberia,  that  has  proved  perfectly  hardy,  having  stood  four  or 
five  vvlnters  without  showing  any  sign  of  winter  killing.  This 
bears    fruit   very    freely,   and   notwithstanding  their  diminutive 


I 


U\ 


17 


size  theso  tiny  apples  make  excellent  jelly,  and  in  tlieir  [)re,sent 
unimproved  state  would  be  much  apprecuated.  Efforts  are.  how- 
ever, being  made  to  improve  this  small  crab  by  crcss-t'ertilizini,^  it 
witii  many  of  the  hardiest  sorts  of  apples.  A  larj^e  number  of 
these  cross-bred  seedlin.u^s  will  l)e  ready  for  plantin-r  on  the  north- 
west farms  in  another  year.  Suitable  enclosures  are  being  ]»re- 
pared  which  will  afford  the  young  trees  some  ])rotection  and 
within  two  or  three  years  it  is  ex[)ected  tliat  some  of  these  will 
bear  fruit.  Similar  experiments  have  also  been  carried  on  with 
Fi/)-iis  hacciiia  pt'unifnl'ni,  whitdi  has  also  stood  one  winter  in  the 
northwest  witliont  injnry,  and  this  fruit  is  about  donbl(^  the  size 
of  that  of  /'.  hai-ratii.  It  is  probable  tliat  some  of  these  cross- 
bred seedlings  will  bear  fruit  of  larger  size  and  imiu-oved  qnality, 
which  will  be  valuable  to  the  settlers  there.  These  trees  are 
both  small  and  low-branched  and  well  adapted  to  eiuhire  the 
clinuitu'  conditions  prevailing  in  the  prairie  couidrv. 

The  wild  Plum,  PrimiDi  Aiiwricana,  is  found  nativi^  in  ditferent 
pa,rts  of  Manitoba,  and  is  common  in  the  valley  of  the  Assiuiboine 
river  and  in  the  other  river  valleys  in  the  scmtluu-n  part  of  i.hat 
l)rovince.  The  fruit  varies  iiuudi  in  size,  coh)r,  and  (piality, 
some  trees  producing  red  fruit  and  otliers  yellow,  and  while 
sonu!  of  tlie  fruit  is  but  slightly  astringent  and  of  fair  (puility, 
other  samples  are  scarcely  eililde.  Efforts  are  being  made  to 
improve  the  wild  plum  l)y  selection  from  s(>edlings  grown  from 
tlie  best  varieties.  It  is  pro[iosed  also  to  follow  this  up  by  cross- 
fertilizing  with  better  soi'ts. 

The  Sand  Cherry.  I'niims  j)inn'il(i,  is  also  a  native  of  tlu^  far 
west,  ft  is  common  about  the  Lake  of  the  Woods  and  has  l)een 
fouml  on  tlie  prairies  as  far  west  as  the  l()8th  meridian,  and  as 
tar  north  as  Prince  Albert,  whicli  is  about  three  hundred  miles 
north  of  the  ITuited  States  boundary.  The  Sand  Cherry  is  a  very 
variable  fruit:  the  con.moner  forms  are  about  the  size  of  a  large 
Marrowfat  Pea.  with  a  disproportionately  large  stone  and  astrin- 
gent Hesh,  while  occasional  imslies  are  f(mnd  bearing  IVuit  as  large 
as  the  English  Morello  Cherry,  with  a  nuieli  larger  pro|>ortion  of 
pul))  to  stone  and  a  superior  <piality  of  Hesh.  Fruit",  subject  to 
su('h  free  variations  in  the  wild  state  may  be  expecte(|  toim[irove 
still  more,  in  size  and  (piality,  under  the  bitliuuices  attending 
higher  cultivation  and  cross-fertilizing.  It  is  believed  that  the 
[•rospects  in  coiuiectifui  with  the  efforts  which  are  being  made  to 


. 


18 


improve  the  fruits  referred  to  are  hopeful,  and  that  there  will  in 
time  be  produced  such  varieties  as  will  prove  useful  fruits  to 
the  people  of  the  northwest  (iouutry. 

A  further  journey  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-tive  miles  over 
the  plains  brings  us  to  the  ex])erimental  farm  at  Indian  Head, 
in  Assinihoia.  one  of  the  Northwest  Territories.  This  farm  is 
about  the  same  size  as  that  at  lirandou,  viz.,  six  hundred  an<l 
eighty  acres.  When  this  land  was  purchased  it  was  a  pie(!e 
of  bare  prairie,  without  tree  or  bush.  During  the  eight  years  it 
has  been  oc('U})ied  tree  jilantiug  on  a  ratluM-  large  scale  has  been 
carried  on.  and  there  are  now  growing  on  this  farm,  in  shelter 
l)elts,  blocks,  avenues,  wind-breaks,  and  hedges,  more  than 
one  hundred  thctusand  trees.  Ditticulties  were  encountered 
at  first  from  tiic  very  strong  winds,  whicli  gave  the  trees  a 
stunted  appearance,  but  these  obstacles  were  gradually  overcome 
and  the  trees  have  now  made  such  ;i  free  growth  that  they  protect 
one  another,  producing  a  vast  imju'ovement  in  the  a,i)])earance  of 
the  place,  and  affording  much  shelter. 

Although  the  climate  is  more  severe  heve,  tlie  ex])eriences  had 
with  fruit  trees  and  with  forest  and  ornamental  trees,  as  well  as 
with  flowers,  are  nearly  the  same  as  tho.se  which  have  been  gained 
at  Brandon. 

A  further  railway  ride  of  five  hundred  and  fifty  miles  from 
Indian  Head  brings  us  to  the  end  of  the  one  tliousand  miles  of 
plains  wliich  stretch  from  tlic  easterly  part  of  Manitoba  to  the 
Koeky  mountains,  and  now  we  find  ourselves  ascending  among 
the  foot-hills,  the  landscajie  broken  into  bluffs  and  valleys  with 
clumps  of  wood  and  park-like  openings  between  them,  and  after 
two  or  three  hours  more  of  journeying,  Banff,  where  the  Can- 
adian government  has  established  a  national  jtark,  is  reached. 
It  nestles  among  the  nunintains,  and  the  efforts  to  improve  this 
beautiful  spot  have  been  nuiinly  in  the  way  of  nuiking  roads  so 
as  to  open  up  the  romantic  beauties  of  the  place,  and  render  tho.se 
points  which  afford  the  most  striking  views  easily  accessible. 
As  we  a]»proach  this  elegant  resting  jihu'e  for  tourists,  we  [)ass 
the  "Three  Sisters,'"  a  lovely  group  of  mountains  ;  also  the  Cas- 
cade mountain,  whose  bold  ro(^ky  summit  rises  abruptly  from  near 
the  railroad  track  more  than  five  thousand  feet  above  the  valley. 
This  mountain  derives  its  name  from  a  snuill  cascade  which  dashes 
down  the  mountain  side,  in  wliicli  it,  has  worn  a  distinct  channel. 


» 


' 


^1 


1 


I 


19 


SoiiM'  of  the  iii()>t  Idvt'ly  vi.'ws  to  hr  liad  uiiywhciv  in  the  iiiouii- 
taiiis  arf  to  Ix'  seen  at  J'-atitf.  wliciv  there  is  a  delightful  ('omhina- 
tioii  of  mountain,  watei',  and  forest.  A  nuisenni  lias  l)een 
estal)lished  here  bv  the  ,f,'()veniment.  which  contains  collections  of 
the  nianinials,  birds,  and  plants  found  in  the  natitjnal  park. 

There  ar(!  also  some  beautiful  lakes  in  this  neighborhood. 
Lake  Louise  is  one  of  the  prettiest.  The  bright  green  color  of 
its  waters  contrast.s  strongly  with  the  pure  white  of  tlie  glaciers 
beyond,  while  the  many-lmed  cliffs,  with  various  shades  of  brown 
on  the  one  side  and  the  deep  green  of  the  spruce-elad  })anks  on 
the  (jther.  all  help  to  form  a  most  harmonious  and  striking  pict- 
ure. Xear  by,  but  about  a  thousand  feet  higher.  Lake  Agnes 
Imrsts  upon  the  view,  with  wilder  and  totally  different  surround- 
ings. 

One  more  stretch  of  about  four  hundred  and  eighty  miles, 
through  wonderfully  varied  mountain  and  valley  scenery,  takes 
us  thnuigh  to  the  valleys  and  delta  lands  of  the  coast  line.  Here 
we  have  the  coast  climate,  which,  on  this  part  of  the  sh(»rc  of  the 
Pacific,  is  cool  in  summer  and  mihi  and  moist  in  winter;  but 
returning  eastward  towards  the  interior,  it  becomes  hotter  in 
summer  and  colder  in  winter,  with  less  raui. 

At  Agassiz,  seventy  miles  east  of  the  ocean,  tlie  most  westerly 
of  tiie  exi)erimental  farms  is  located,  in  the  valley  of  the  Fraser 
river.  Seven  years  ago  this  place  was  a  wilderness.  Now 
there  are  one  hundred  and  thirty  acres  (jf  land  cleared  and 
under  cultivation,  and  about  half  of  it  has  been  planted  to  fruit, 
and  more  than  two  thousand  varieties  of  fruits  are  under  test 
there,  nearly  all  of  which  are  doing  well.  The  climate  is  mild, 
and  suitable  for  this  industry,  and  nowhere  do  the  plum,  ai)ple, 
cherry,  and  pear  Ijear  fruit  in  greater  profusion.  Every  variety 
likely  to  be  of  benefit  to  the  country  is  lieing  tested,  so  that  the 
fullest  infcn-niation  may  be  available  to  the  settlers  as  to  the 
best  and  most  jirotitable  varieties  to  jilant. 

All  sorts  of  small  fruits  succeed  remarkably  well  here.  A 
very  large  number  of  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs  are  also  suc- 
cessfully grown,  including  some  of  the  more  tender  varieties, 
wiiich  are  not  hardy  at  Ottawa.  Flowers  also  succeed  admirably 
in  this  moist  climate.  The  dapauese  and  other  lilies  grow^ 
luwiriantly,  and  during  the  Howering  season  they  till  the  air 
with  their  fragrance. 


L'O 


1  iiiust  not  trespiiss  furtlicf  on  your  tiiiit.'.  I  liavf  hut  toiiflied 
here  and  tlieie  on  th<^  almost  liniitli'ss  field  (,'overed  by  my  sub- 
ject. I  hope,  however,  that  1  hiivc  ,suc<'t'e<lc(l  in  sliowinsj;  that 
liorticulture  is  not  entirely  ncjjflceted  in  Canada,  but  that  indi- 
viduals, communities,  and  <,'overnments  (both  Provincial  and 
Dominion)  from  one  end  of  the  country  t(j  the  other  are  striving 
to  help  along  this  good  work.  While  we  cannot  expect  soon  to 
reach  that  degree  of  horticultural  advancenu'ut  which  we  see 
and  admire  so  nuudi  in  older  and  wealthier  communities  like 
your  own,  we  are  striving  to  follow  in  u  measure  your  noble 
example  and  to  proHt  by  the  generous  help  which  you  are  always 
ready  to  give.  Your  Arnold  Arboretum  lias  aided  our  experi- 
mental farm  work  in  a  princely  manner,  and  your  ever  welcome 
publications  are  a  constant  stimulus  tf)wards  jirogress.  Although 
not  under  t^uite  the  saiiu'  form  of  governnuMit,  we  are  of  the  san)e 
stock  as  yourselves,  and  the  love  for  and  appreciation  of  the 
marvellous  beauties  of  nature  brings  like  pleasure  wherever  we 
dwell,  whether  wo  acknowledge  as  our  ruler  a  wortliy  [iresident 
or  a  matchless  ([ueen.  Horticulture  is  Ijounded  by  no  political 
lines,  but  in  every  community  where  the  mind  is  sufticiently  cult- 
ured to  appreciate  the  wonderful  beauties  with  which  the  world 
is  studded,  there  these  lovely  trees  and  shrubs  and  flowers,  which 
combine  so  much  of  grace  and  beauty,  become  a  perennial  source 
of  quiet  delight.  They  are  but  expressions  of  the  thouglits  of 
the  great  Creator,  who  established  and  sustains  the  laws  which 
govern  their  growth  and  development.  Some  love  for  the  beauti- 
ful in  nature  is  found  in  almost  every  breast,  and  conqianionship 
with  such  charming  objects  tends  to  deepen  and  enlarge  that 
feeling  of  admiration,  to  elevate  our  thoughts  and  lead  them 
from  Nature  up  to  Nature's  Clod.  Their  beauty  is  inspiring, 
and  while  we  study  them  we  catch  the  spirit  ami  gladly  follow 
the  teaching  of  the  great  Alaster  in  his  inimitable  Sermon  on 
the  Mount,  when,  gazing  on  the  lovely  flowers  growing  around 
him,  with  the  deepest  insight  into  the  perfection  of  their  beauty, 
he  exhorted  his  hearers  to  *'  Consider  the  lilies  of  the  held  how 
they  grow.  ...  I  say  unto  you  that  even  Solomon  in  all  his 
glory  was  not  arrayed  like  one  of  these."" 


